With 2021 creeping up on us, start your New Year’s resolution early and try something new! This winter we’ve got everything you need for a budget-friendly hobby that you can practice from the comfort of your home.
Crafting Essentials: Head to your neighborhood craft store for the basics. There are a variety of yarns and hooks, but start simple. Soft acrylic yarn is less expensive, making it a good option for beginners. Typically, yarn labels indicate what size hook to use. A good rule of thumb is the thicker the hook, the thicker the yarn should be.
Why Knot Try? Start small with the slip knot. Avoid hand cramping by holding your crochet hook as if you were holding a pencil. Quickly twist and loop the yarn onto the hook, then wrap the yarn under the hook, and pull it through the loop to tighten. Repeat this step until you’ve got the hang of it. Congratulations – you’ve just made your very own chain stitch! This is the first step to learning how to crochet. Practice, practice, practice!
Keep Calm, Stitch On: Once you have practiced the basics and feel comfortable with the slip knot, you can start to explore more complex pattern work. If you are a visual person, YouTube has several how-to videos that break down the basics so you can crochet your way to creating mittens, sweaters, blankets, and other gifts for you and your loved ones!
Crocheting Woes: Tried this hobby and didn’t love it? First, be proud of yourself for trying your hand at a new activity and then open your mind to new possibilities. Might we also suggest the following hobbies:
1. Start a daily gratitude journal
2. Learn a new language
3. Bake favorite holiday recipes
4. Start a book club
5. Practice yoga or meditation
Wherever your home hearth may be, you can try any of these new hobbies and enjoy the winter days in new ways.